The Museum of History and Culture La Jolla presents La Jolla Modernism & Architecture Week honoring the neighborhood’s mid-century architectural legacy. Neighbors and design enthusiasts can move through a full slate of tours, lectures and social gatherings spotlighting the architects who shaped La Jolla’s postwar landscape.
Opening weekend brings a cocktail party and a home tour granting access to privately owned mid-century residences, while the back half of the week folds into Architecture Week, running Oct 6 through Oct 11, with campus tours and talks centered on La Jolla’s landmark buildings. Museum members receive 20% off ticket purchases, and proceeds throughout the week support MHC La Jolla’s free exhibitions, educational programs and preservation initiatives.
Events at a glance:
- Modernism Cocktail Party (Friday, Oct 2): An evening reception inside an architecturally significant private residence, with wine and appetizers in a mid-century-inspired setting.
- La Jolla Modernism Home Tour (Saturday, Oct 3): Self-driving or docent-led bus access to a curated set of privately owned mid-century modern homes, representing architects who shaped La Jolla’s residential landscape.
- From Concrete to Redwood: UC San Diego’s Modernist Masterpieces (Sunday, Oct 4): A guided walk through the Geisel Library and Stuart Collection, capped by a rare look inside Lloyd Ruocco’s 1963 Munk Laboratory at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
- Lecture at Hobbs Modern: What Makes Design Iconic? (Sunday, Oct 4): Nicole and Ryan Hobbs lead a gallery talk on how certain design pieces endure while others fade, with coffee and pastries served.
- Modernism 101: From Bauhaus to Our House (Thursday, Oct 8): Joan Gand, chair of the La Jolla Modernism Tour Committee, traces the design movement from the Bauhaus through California Modernism at the La Jolla Woman’s Club.
- Discover the Story of Scripps Institution of Oceanography (Saturday, Oct 10): Historians and Scripps leadership cover the institution’s founding, architecture and scientific legacy, followed by self-guided tours of its historic campus.
- La Jolla Jewel Awards (Sunday, Oct 11): The week concludes with an awards program at a historic private residence, recognizing individuals and projects that have advanced restoration and preservation efforts in La Jolla.
Learn more about all the events and get tickets here.
